Northern Lights dinner in a Glass Igloo

A Cozy Night Under the Northern Lights: The Glass Igloo Dinner Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Rovaniemi and dreaming of catching the Northern Lights while enjoying a warm, intimate dinner, this tour might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, looking through the reviews and details paints a picture of a special experience that’s worth considering. It’s a highly-rated adventure that combines the magic of Lapland’s night sky with cozy dining in a glass igloo, all in a private setting.

What I really appreciate about this tour are two things. First, the private transportation means you’re not just part of a big group, which adds a layer of comfort and exclusivity. Second, the delicious local cuisine served over an open fire sounds like a memorable way to enjoy Lapland’s flavors while surrounded by nature. One aspect to watch for, though, is the price—at around $361 per person, it’s definitely an investment and might be considered pricey for some travelers. But if you’re after a unique, intimate experience and don’t mind splurging a bit, this could be just right for you.

This experience seems best suited for those who are seeking a blend of adventure and comfort, want to enjoy authentic local food, and are hopeful—though not guaranteed—of seeing the Northern Lights. Families with older children, couples, or even small groups of friends might find it suits their style well. It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly for young kids, but older children who can handle the cold and appreciate the scenery will likely have a good time.

Key Points

• Private, cozy setting: Enjoy dinner in a glass igloo with scenic forest views, away from the crowds.
• Includes transportation: Your group is transported comfortably from Rovaniemi, removing the hassle of logistics.
• Authentic local cuisine: Expect a private meal cooked over fire, with typical Lapland snacks and dinner.
• Potential Aurora sighting: The outdoor setting provides a scenic backdrop for Aurora Borealis, though there’s no guarantee.
• Cost reflects the experience: At over $360, this is a premium tour, but many reviews say it’s worth the expense for the ambiance and personal service.
• Additional activities: Some tours include snowmobiles or quads, adding a fun twist to the evening.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a pick-up in Rovaniemi, where your private vehicle will whisk you away to the forested outskirts of the city. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself at a glass igloo restaurant situated on the shore of a frozen lake. This location is key: it offers a beautiful, natural backdrop that amplifies the enchantment of the Northern Lights, should they appear.

The main event is the private dinner in the igloo, which lasts approximately three hours. The setup is described as dreamy—think flickering candles, cozy blankets, and the crackling fire where your meal is prepared. Many reviewers have highlighted how well thought-out the ambiance is, with some mentioning the hosts explaining each dish, adding a layer of personal touch.

Food and Atmosphere

The menu features typical Lapland snacks and dinner, cooked over an open fire—an experience in itself for food lovers. Multiple reviews rave about the high-quality, delicious food, with some describing it as excellent. This is not just about the scenery but also about enjoying a well-prepared, authentic meal in a magical setting.

The Outdoors: Snow, Forest, and Aurora

After dinner, the big hope is for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The outdoor environment in Lapland is naturally suited for Aurora viewing, especially with the dark sky and minimal light pollution. Several reviews mention seeing the Aurora Borealis during their experience—some describe it as rare and spectacular, others acknowledge that Aurora sightings are always a bit of luck.

The reviews also describe snowmobile rides around the property, which some found to be a highlight—adding a bit of adventure before or after dinner. Others appreciate the scenic walk on the frozen lake or through the forest, which is part of the experience’s charm.

Comfort and Practicalities

The igloo is designed to keep you warm inside, so you can enjoy the outdoor sky without the discomfort of the cold. One reviewer mentioned that during the coldest week in Rovaniemi, the temperature was as low as -34°C, which made the conditions challenging inside the igloo due to smoke from the fire. The tour provider responded politely, noting that colder weather actually increases the chances of seeing the Aurora, and that last-minute bookings sometimes face weather-related challenges.

Transportation is private, punctual, and smooth, which adds to the overall comfort. Tours are generally booked about 70 days in advance, and confirmation is immediate, which helps with planning.

The Price Point

At $361.11 per person, this tour is on the higher end, but reviews suggest it offers good value for those seeking a personal, atmospheric experience. The cost includes private transport, the meal, and access to the scenic setting, but alcohol is not included, which some travelers noted. Several reviews point out that while the experience is beautiful, the food might be considered average for the price, and no alcohol is included, which could be a downside if you’re expecting a full festive meal.

The Reviews: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Most reviews are glowing—people describe the experience as fabulous, magical, and well-organized. They praise the guides, especially mentioning guides like Andrew and Ruslan for their professionalism and friendliness. Reviewers say the combination of dinner, scenery, and optional snowmobile rides makes for a memorable night.

However, not all experiences are perfect. A few found the igloo conditions to be less than ideal, citing smoke and cold as issues. One pointed out that they didn’t see the Northern Lights, which is always a risk. Still, even those who didn’t catch Aurora considered the overall experience worthwhile, praising the atmosphere and the quality of the food.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who value privacy and ambiance. If you’re looking for a romantic night, a special celebration, or just want to indulge in a peaceful, scenic environment, it’s a great choice. It’s also suited to those who are comfortable with spending a bit more for a premium experience, and who are keen to combine fine local food with the chance (though not a guarantee) of Aurora Borealis.

It’s not necessarily perfect for families with very young children or those seeking a quick, budget-friendly experience. The tour is about 3 hours, and the conditions in the igloo might be less suitable for very young kids or those sensitive to cold.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights dinner in a glass igloo offers a unique blend of spectacular scenery, delicious food, and intimate atmosphere. While it is a pricier option, many find it worth the cost for the chance to enjoy Lapland’s magic in comfort and style. The private transport and personalized service help make it a seamless experience, and the chance—though not a guarantee—to see the Aurora adds that extra sprinkle of excitement.

If you’re after a memorable, cozy night in Lapland with the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights, this tour fits the bill nicely. It’s best suited for those who appreciate good food, beautiful surroundings, and a touch of adventure, all wrapped into one special evening.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including transport, dinner, and outdoor time.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation from and back to Rovaniemi is part of the package, making it very convenient.

What’s the focus of the experience?
It’s centered around enjoying a private dinner cooked over fire inside a glass igloo, with outdoor scenery and the hope of seeing the Northern Lights.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While many reviews mention sightings of Aurora Borealis, it’s not guaranteed. The best chances depend on weather and solar activity.

Is alcohol included in the meal?
No, alcohol is not included, but most reviews praise the quality of the food and ambiance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, but older children who can handle the cold and enjoy the scenery should have a good time.

What if the weather is poor?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 70 days ahead, as the tour is quite popular and fills up quickly.

What does the meal include?
A private, fire-cooked dinner with typical Lapland snacks and dishes, explained by the host.

What are the main negatives according to reviews?
Some mention the high price, average food quality for the cost, and conditions inside the igloo during extremely cold weather.

If you’re looking for a cozy, scenic, and somewhat luxurious way to experience Lapland’s night sky, this tour could be just the thing. It’s an experience that combines the best of outdoor beauty, local cuisine, and a touch of adventure—all wrapped up in a private, intimate setting.